Long story short.

After 16 years at the company, my number was included in a large purge of labor dollars. Frankly, I don't know if the dicision will make it another year before being shut down. Haven't interviewed in over 18 years. I got this job by actions, not words.

My last day is coming up pretty quick so I'm hitting the job bords and getting intimidated with all the work requirements listed. I'm burned out and at the end of my career. Roughly 5-10 years left.

Thinking of going outside of the Construction industry but don't know if I can stay engaged by that. My wife says to take a job that will make me happy. That's fine, but I don't know what that is so that keeps me looking at the Contractor wanted ads.

My mind is saying take the rest of the year off. That kinda has me freaking out cause it's been over 30 years since I've had a long term unemployment spell. The company is gracious enough with the severance package that I can do it.

Meanwhile, the last day of work quickly approaches. I'll miss the people, but not the company and its issues.

Can I retire? It's close. I'd like to but still a bit too young as I'm in my upper 50's. My dad retired at 58 and the last few years of his life he said that was too young.

I dunno. At this point it looks like I'll have a minimum of a couple months off. That will get me thru hunting season. Maybe that will be enough to get my mind straight and restart fresh.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

You will never be more hireable than you are right now. Your employability goes down the longer you wait.

I retired at 58.5 years and never have thought it was too early. I say this as I hit 76 tomorrow.

The key is to continue to be mentally active. Physically too if possible.

That said everyone is different. You must decide what's best for you and yours and then seek out a solution to assure it.

I also hit 16 years at the company that closed our location back in April. I'm still getting severance pay, and the long "vacation" was good, but I know it's time to get back to work.

quote:

Originally posted by ugeesta:
Long story short.


My last day is coming up pretty quick so I'm hitting the job bords and getting intimidated with all the work requirements listed. I'm burned out and at the end of my career. Roughly 5-10 years left.

Thinking of going outside of the Construction industry but don't know if I can stay engaged by that. My wife says to take a job that will make me happy. That's fine, but I don't know what that is so that keeps me looking at the Contractor wanted ads.

If you're near one of the mines, copper, moly, etc. Apply for something that interests you, don't be concerned about qualifications, as long as it's something you think you can do. I worked for Freeport and can say the benefits are excellent, 401, health, time off. Big shortage of workers, apply, worst that would happen is you get interview experience.

I was blessed to retire at 55 and have absolutely no regrets. I spend my time serving in several ministries at my church, home projects keep me busy, I take one trip and sometimes two each year, I workout at the gym 4 or 5 days a week and I'm loving retirement. The keys to retirement are having enough money and finding ways to stay busy. Im very happy retired and wouldn't think of ever going back to work.

Yeah, retirement sounds really tempting. I think I can do it but want to work at least 5 more years. Talked about it with an old work friend last night that kinda helped me walk thru it.

I guess it’s the fear of the unknown leaving the company that has me boogered up. Technically, with my wife still working, I don’t need to make the big salary. Just enough to help pay the bills and preserve the severence package.

Kinda feel a little like Lester Burnham in American Beauty: I want a job with as little responsibility as possible….

quote:

Kinda feel a little like Lester Burnham in American Beauty: I want a job with as little responsibility as possible….

Uniform fitter for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders would be spiffy.

I retired at 49. I'm 63 now. I was very fortunate to work for a very good company. I've been very happy and have not regretted it one bit.

quote:

Originally posted by rizzle:

quote:

Kinda feel a little like Lester Burnham in American Beauty: I want a job with as little responsibility as possible….

Uniform fitter for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders would be spiffy.

Have you seen the cheerleaders lately? Ha Ha...

quote:

I want a job with as little responsibility as possible….

Greeter at Walmart

quote:

Originally posted by ugeesta:

quote:

Originally posted by rizzle:

quote:

Kinda feel a little like Lester Burnham in American Beauty: I want a job with as little responsibility as possible….

Uniform fitter for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders would be spiffy.

Have you seen the cheerleaders lately? Ha Ha...

AH ! Forgot about Robin Williams, If they went that route, would have to quit. Could use the hands on experience in my resume though.

I feel your pain. When I was 63, I got hit in the layoff wave. Was very lucky to find a gig as a consultant for 2 years until I retired at 65. Life has been good since then. Never thought about consulting but it was a good for the two years I did it. If that's an option for you, you might want to consider until something permanent comes along. Most consulting companies provide good benefits.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ajensen,

I retired at 59. Going back to school this fall.

Take the time off... you can afford it....

I suspect you are almost at the age where you are going to finally come to the conclusion that life is really short.

run the numbers and realize you are 'on the other side of the hill'.

^^^^^ Interesting you say that. The realization that 0 is right around the corner has me that the ability to do anything I want is coming to a close. Fortunately, I am still blessed with good health and want to enjoy what I want while I still can.

I did run the budget numbers and our spending habits are way out of control. To retire now would require alamost a cold turkey spending cut which I know won't happen. Definately, we could cut back. Time to check in with the head hunter again...

I got laid off at 50. Was making 6-digit salary. Found a job in Sales that eventually turned into Mfg Manager. It paid about half of what I was formerly making. Got laid off again at 60. Age became a factor. Not too many firms wanted to hire an "old guy", regardless of my experience and education.

So, I looked at my skills and applied for a job as an "armed" security guard on a Federal contract. Originally, I was rejected because I was "over-qualified"! After appealing my denial, I got hired and have been doing this for the past 13 years. There is "some" level of responsibility, but being an NRA firearms instructor and other training, it's been pretty stress-free. I think some of my "Sales" training helps in de-escaltion when some idiot get irate and in your face! LOL

Might be something to look into.....

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:

quote:

I want a job with as little responsibility as possible….

Greeter at Walmart

But all of the guys on the gun forums will hate you and brag about how they never let you check their receipt .

^^^^ Yeah, I need to age about 20 more years before thinking about that job...

Today was my last day at the office. Now it's time to chill a bit before hitting the want ads.

I actually have an interview tomorrow for a Inspector position that would keep me in the industry but at a different level.

I'm starting to get a bit nervous as I have not interviewed in 17 years. What was that bit of advice Marsha Brady got when she had to speak to a board or something? Just pretend they are sitting there in their underwear?...

After reading the responses it seems clear you should take some time off. Sit down with your financial advisor and see where you are at. Think about what you really want to do and how you will spend your time if you retire. What hobbies do you have, do you want to drive, spend more time at the gun range etc. Is working part time a possibility? One big stumbling block may be health care. You cannot wing it with your health. Let us know what you decide.